A Travel Price Comparison for China Shenzhen vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen or Shenyang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Shenyang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Shenyang?

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $124, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $71. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shenzhen and Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $90
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $180
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Shenyang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Shenzhen


Hotels in Shenyang


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Shenyang $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
  • Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
  • Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
  • Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $79
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $79
  • Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Business Car: $117
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Shenzhen change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shenzhen $20
    Shenyang $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
  • Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $131
  • Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $143
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $162
  • Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $162
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $162
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Shenyang $7.74

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
  • (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
  • 100% Private & Personalised Tour of Hong Kong With A Local Insider: $64
  • 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
  • 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $104
  • A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
  • A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour: $102
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
  • Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Shenyang $5.86


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Shenyang, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen than you might in Shenyang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Shenyang, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Shenzhen or Shenyang?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shenzhen or Shenyang in the Summer?

Both Shenyang and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenyang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Shenyang in the Autumn?

Both Shenyang and Shenzhen during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Shenyang. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Shenyang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Shenyang.

The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Shenyang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Shenyang.

In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Shenyang. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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